STAMFORD, Conn .-- May. 14, 2013 -- Powered by an in-demand platform of comfort, style, and value, that’s “best for business,” Four Points by Sheraton today unveiled a thriving global pipeline of hotels that sets the stage for a milestone 200th opening in 2014. The popular brand reached its 175th hotel in 2013 with the openings of Four Points by Sheraton Manhattan (Manhattan, Kansas, United States), Four Points by Sheraton Riyadh (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), Four Points by Sheraton Ahmedabad (Ahmedabad, India) and Four Points by Sheraton Kecskemet (Kecskemet, Hungary).

Four Points’ impressive growth rate makes it the second-largest pipeline and third-largest brand for parent Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT). Four Points represented more than a quarter of Starwood’s openings and signings in 2012 and is expected to sign more deals in 2013 than ever before in the brand’s history. A recent $1-billion brand-wide rejuvenation has spurred its popularity and is helping to drive Four Points’ growth.

In North America, Four Points to Surpass 120 Hotels

In North America alone, fast-growing Four Points is expected to surpass 120 hotels this year – representing a 20% increase since the beginning of 2008. With 17 new properties set to open in the US and Canada over the next 12 months, the brand is on track to have Starwood’s largest North American pipeline. Slated to debut from now through May 2014 are:

Four Points by Sheraton Kansas City – Sports Complex (Missouri)

Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport (British Columbia, Canada)

Four Points by Sheraton Fort Myers Airport (Florida)

Four Points by Sheraton Edmonton International Airport (Alberta, Canada)

Four Points by Sheraton Jacksonville Beachfront (Florida)

Four Points by Sheraton Edmundston (New Brunswick, Canada)

Four Points by Sheraton Minot (North Dakota)

Four Points by Sheraton Charleston (West Virginia)

Four Points by Sheraton Regina (Saskatchewan, Canada)

Four Points by Sheraton Waterloo-Kitchener Hotel & Suites (Ontario, Canada)

Four Points by Sheraton Surrey (British Columbia, Canada)

Four Points by Sheraton Bentonville (Arkansas)

Four Points by Sheraton Newark (Delaware)

Four Points by Sheraton Nashville Airport (Nashville, Tennessee)

Four Points by Sheraton Coral Gables (Miami, Florida)

Four Points by Sheraton New York Downtown (New York, New York)

Four Points by Sheraton Scranton (Scranton, Pennsylvania)

Fast-Growing Brand Enters Key New Global Markets; Expands Presence in Others

Worldwide, Four Points is debuting in three key markets – Peru, Sri Lanka and Libya and will expand its presence in Malaysia, Mexico and China. With a total of 10 scheduled openings in Asia, South America, the Middle East and Africa over the next 12 months, Four Points will command a presence in 32 countries and territories, up from 29 in 2012. In the global pipeline are:

Four Points by Sheraton Miraflores (Peru)

Four Points by Sheraton Medina (Saudi Arabia)

Four Points by Sheraton Penang (Penang, Malaysia)

Four Points by Sheraton Bijie (China)

Four Points by Sheraton Cancun Centro (Mexico)

Four Points by Sheraton Hefei, Shushan (China)

Four Points by Sheraton Bogota (Colombia)

Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane (Australia)

Four Points by Sheraton Colombo, International Airport (Colombo, Sri Lanka)

Four Points by Sheraton Tripoli (Libya)

“As our pipeline proves, there’s plenty of room for Four Points to keep growing, with massive potential in markets we haven’t even begun to tap,” said Simon Turner, Starwood’s President of Global Development. “Considering the brand’s powerful positioning, untapped growth channels like conversion projects in developed markets and new build hotels in under-hoteled emerging markets, and ever-stronger demand from partners and developers worldwide, we’re looking toward a very bright future for Four Points.”

Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Specialty Select Brands for Starwood, agreed. “There’s an enormous and growing global appetite for affordable, reliable hotels. That’s what Four Points delivers, and it’s why the brand continues to resonate with a huge spectrum of travelers,” he said. “Tremendous loyalty from guests has also been a big part of the Four Points’ success, and we’ll keep fueling growth by delivering great experiences.”

With genuine service, classic style and great rates, Four Points gives travelers everything they need to be comfortable while away from home – like stylish rooms, productive work spaces, and local beer from Best BrewsSM. Four Points has been ranked the number one hotel brand in its category by readers of Business Travel News.

About Four Points by Sheraton
Great Hotels. Great Rates: With over 175 Four Points by Sheraton hotels in more than 30 countries, travelers can find the timeless style and comfort they’re looking for with genuine service and everything that matters most, all around the world. From Santiago to Shanghai and Milan to Milwaukee, Four Points hotels can be found in big urban centers, by the airport, near the beach, and in the suburbs. A recent $1 billion invested in renovations, conversions, and new-build hotels has made the brand stronger than ever. Four Points by Sheraton, like all brands within Starwood’s portfolio, is proud to offer the Starwood Preferred Guest® program, the industry’s richest loyalty program. To learn more, visit www.spg.com

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1,146 properties in nearly 100 countries and 171,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, Aloft®, and Element®. The Company boasts one of the industry’s leading loyalty programs, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates. Starwood also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., a premier provider of world-class vacation experiences through villa-style resorts and privileged access to Starwood brands. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com